Overview
Solar panels are a cost-effective way to save money on electricity bills in Summit, Utah. By analyzing 365 days of weather data, including average UV rating, cloud cover, and precipitation, it is clear that Summit enjoys plenty of sunny days ideal for harnessing solar energy. With the basic electricity cost in mind, we break down the cost of a solar system and estimate that homeowners can recoup their investment in a relatively short amount of time. By going solar, Summit residents can take advantage of financial benefits while also contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
Summit Utah Weather Trends
Summit Precipitation
In the last year, Summit Utah received 17.35 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 4th percentile in the nation and the 32nd percentile in Utah. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Utah’s average of 25.26 inches, Summit’s lower amount of precipitation makes it an ideal location for solar panels to thrive and generate energy efficiently.
Summit’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.65, Summit Utah ranks in the 26th percentile in the nation and the 33rd percentile in Utah. While the national average is 4.29 and Utah’s average is 3.89, Summit still receives sufficient sunlight to make solar panel installation a worthwhile investment. The average max UV rating of 3.97 further supports the viability of harnessing solar energy in Summit.
Summit’s Cloud Cover
Summit Utah experiences an average of 26% cloud cover, placing it in the 5th percentile in the nation and the 22nd percentile in Utah. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Utah’s average of 31.68%, Summit’s lower cloud cover percentage means more sunny days for solar panels to capture and convert sunlight into electricity. With a significant number of days featuring clear to slightly cloudy skies, solar panels in Summit can operate at optimal levels.
Summit Utah Electricity Costs
Summit Utah residents pay approximately $0.11/kw for electricity, positioning Summit in the 23rd percentile in the nation and the 69th percentile in Utah. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw and Utah’s average is $0.1/kw, Summit’s relatively lower electricity costs make solar panels an attractive solution for saving money over the long term. By switching to solar energy, residents can reduce their dependence on traditional electricity sources and lower their overall utility bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Summit Utah?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Summit Utah, let’s break down the investment in solar panels and see how long it would take to make up the initial cost.
First, let’s look at the weather data:
- Summit Utah receives less precipitation compared to the national average, allowing for plenty of sunny days for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Summit Utah is lower than the national average, with a majority of sunny days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Summit Utah pay a bit less for electricity compared to the national average.
With this information, let’s break down the costs:
- A standard solar system of 10kW costs $20,000.
- This system is expected to last between 25 and 30 years.
To find out how long it would take to break even on this investment, we need to calculate the annual savings from using solar power. Here’s how:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- With Summit Utah’s lower electricity rates, the savings are significant.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years after reaching the break-even point. Investing in solar panels not only saves money but also contributes to environmental preservation. It’s a smart and sustainable choice for homeowners in Summit Utah.
Investing in solar power in Summit Utah
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Summit, Utah, it is clear that investing in solar panels can be a smart decision for residents. With plenty of sunny days, lower cloud cover, and relatively cheaper electricity rates, homeowners can expect to break even on their solar system investment in around 4-5 years. By switching to solar energy, Summit residents not only save money on electricity bills but also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Overall, going solar in Summit, Utah is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly choice that offers long-term benefits for both homeowners and the planet.